On the way to Ho Chi Minh City to begin the journey through Vietnam. Having had such a class time in Cambodia, as an analytical little bastard and a terribly mediocre historian, Ive had chance to experience the way of life that exists here in comparison to Britain, alongside being lucky enough to meet some really cool people along the way. I had a really sobering day yesterday, visiting the killing fields and S-21 prison in Phnom Penh. Under the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pots fanatical and insane social ideology, almost 3 million people were murdered in violent and brutal circumstances. The memorials are befitting, but all I could think when walking around inside the barbed wire fences (to keep out begging children and soldiers disfigured by conflict) was how can somebody and such evil exist? Having travelled for 3 weeks now (a seasoned veteran some may say) Ive met a huge mix of people from all over the world. Interesting, funny and weird but nonetheless almost all of them friendly and good spirited - it seems so incomprehensible that a human would want to/could commit such brutality toward another human in adherence to a flawed and senseless ideology. Let alone to a quarter of the population of your own people. The country itself is still deeply affected by its sad and painful history, yet, the khmer people are so warm and welcoming. This is emphasised as you see children ride their bikes for miles on dirt tracks to get to school whilst waving, smiling and screaming hello, hello. The novelty of a white westerner means that theyre keen to practice their broken english with you. In comparison, the elders are slightly weary and are only able to speak of Cambodias history (many of whom have relatives who were murdered between 1975-1979 by the regime) because the opportunity to educate themselves was forcibly taken away. You can see that they are looking toward their children to create a new future and prosperous history. An outcome of Cambodias dark past means that some of the khmer live a very simple life, families can earn less than $1 a day through fishing, rice fields and plastic recycling. A country with a crippled and corrupt infrastructure (government officials drive around in Bentleys and Range Rovers whilst khmer people beg profusely throughout inner-city streets) means there is no economic help from the state and no health system - no net to catch you if you fall, a luxury I see so many people take or have taken for granted, myself included. The khmer work ethic and belief in creating a better life for themselves is admirable, and shows that the opportunities available to us in the UK are incredible. Were lucky enough to have the ability to earn money to create our dreams, to be able to travel the world and see some amazing sights, put food on our tables and build lives for ourselves and our children, with the knowledge that we live in a country that will, if we fall, put plasters on our knees and hand us a lollipop to keep us going. At the same time, as clichèd as it is, we could all stand to be more appreciative and happy for what we have and, furthermore, embrace it. Dont get me wrong, Britain and its government still have a number of issues, but before you leave that status which says this country is shit, cant wait to get out. Take a little look around and take stock of the life that Britain has afforded you. If you are truly unhappy with your lot, you probably havent embraced the opportunity - however, there is always still time. Hashtag deep. Lets get steaming, party and explore Ho Chis Minge.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 08:30:18 +0000
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